BBC Breakfast in chaos after as presenter is slammed over brutal interview

21 December 2023 , 16:39

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BBC Breakfast in chaos after as presenter is slammed over brutal interview

BBC Breakfast Charlie Stayt has been slammed over his critical interview with singer Sam Ryder who appeared on the show to promote his Christmas single.

Charlie, 61 and his co-host Naga Munchetty were speaking to Sam via video link as he was in the BBC Radio 1 studio with presenter Greg James. Speaking about his festive single You're Christmas To Me Sam appeared confident that he had created a number one single. The singer, who represented the UK in last year's Eurovision Contest said: "It's not often you find yourself in a chart race with the almighty Wham! But, with massive respect to those absolute legends, there's always room for new music and new artists coming through."

Charlie Stayt was accused of being too harsh during his interview with Sam Ryder

Soon after Sam finished speaking, Charlie jumped in to counter his guest's comment when he said:"The best ones are the old ones". He added: "If I'm honest with you Sam and no disrespect to your single, I'm a bit like that, 'Oh what about a bit of Bill Crosby', there's all those ones, you're up against it in a way." The awkward interview came to an end when Sam jokingly said: "Stranger things have happened."

After the interview Sam and Radio 1 host Greg were discussing his treatment and felt that Charlie had been unfairly critical towards Sam. Greg said to him : "They gave you a bit of a rough ride on BBC Breakfast this morning didn't they?" Sam replied: "Oh Gosh, yeah."

Making fun of Charlie's comment, Greg said: "'I prefer the old ones', Alright mate b****y hell. I wanted to chip in and go, 'You know all the old ones were new at one point'." Earlier this month, presenter Naga was on the receiving end of Charlie's acid-tongue as he branded her "unhelpful." Away from delivering the news Charlie and Naga attempted a Christmas challenge. Naga told viewers that every year GCHQ releases a problem-solving test.

Naga Munchetty and co-stars bid farewell to BBC Breakfast colleague amid exit

The host was given three clues with five letter answers which would lead him to the correct answer. But as Charlie soon became frustrated he swiped: "I was actually trying to do it then and you were just constantly telling me I was getting it wrong.I was writing things down and you were literally saying, 'No that's not right, no that's not right'."

Naga replied by saying she was trying to be helpful because his answer was "not right". Charlie clapped back: "Well I've got to try. It's not helpful is it?" Naga tried to help him again asking: "Does that make sense Charlie? You're huffing."

Charlie then said John Watson would soon be joining them to present the sports news and would most likely know the answers, which Naga agreed. She said: "Well he probably does know all the answers. There's nothing wrong with knowing the answers." In a final swipe, Charlie replied: "Well give people a chance to think for a moment."

Their heated exchange generated comments from viewers who branded both presenters as "immature" on social media. One fan had said: "Champagne socialist Naga and charlie are in full immature, unprofessional and p*** taking mode today." A second person penned: "How rude is Naga Munchetty....not the first time I have heard her be rude and arrogant."

Lucretia Munro